Climate change and its impact on mental health

Climate change is the predominant global crisis of the 21st century and yet it appears as if not enough attention is being paid to its impact on health including mental health and wellbeing of populations globally. There is an increasing acknowledgement that eco-anxiety, solastalgia and other related conditions are emerging. However, more importantly the international impact of climate change with increasing internal and external migration places increasing strain on healthcare systems and healthcare professionals. The sheer speed of change related to climate factors started over 200 years ago but has accelerated in the past few decades and impacts human beings at multiple levels. Extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation contribute very strongly to both existing and newer psychiatric disorders. Recommendations are made for policymakers, researchers and clinicians about what is needed and how to deliver it.